Question

A block with mass m is pulled horizontally with a force F_pull leading to an acceleration a along a rough, flat surface.
Find the coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the surface.

Answers

  1. Answer:

    \mu_k=\frac{a}{g}

    Explanation:

    The force of kinetic friction on the block is defined as:

    F_k=\mu_kN

    Where \mu_k is the coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the surface and N is the normal force, which is always perpendicular to the surface that the object contacts. So, according to the free body diagram of the block, we have:

    N=mg\\F_k=F=ma

    Replacing this in the first equation and solving for \mu_k:

    ma=\mu_k(mg)\\\mu_k=\frac{a}{g}

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